A Camping We Will Go

Normally on our way through Rifle, Colorado we see sights like this: Where I-70 passes through Rifle it's a bit dusty, and the valley is littered with the metal spires of the oil and gas business that have been booming the last decade or so. So it was to my great surprise that my camping book rated a Rifle campground 5 stars. Really? Well, this I had to see. And if it was awful? Well, it's only a weekend after all.

Turns out, that if you travel just about half an hour off the interstate (we've never done that before in this part of the state) you get into country that looks like this instead. Who knew!? We camped at Rifle Falls State Park, a fantastic little park near several other state parks, all great places to play with an adventurous kiddo. Our campground had a grand total of 20 sites and the hike to the waterfalls started directly across the road from our site. FFM noticed the trailhead immediately and requested hikes 'into the jungle Daddy!' throughout our stay.

The 'jungle' hike also included endless caves to explore. Most were just big enough for our group of five to get into, but Travis and F disappeared into this one for long enough that I got worried! Travis said they never did find the end... the tiny bright spot is F shining the light on his face.

You could even hike back behind the waterfall. Tropical forest or Rocky Mountains?

Remember way way way back in about March 2009 when FFM drove his tractor off road over all the bumps he could find?

Poor frustrated kid can now legitimately off road and do mini jumps with his bike. Back at camp he found a great place to launch himself off of over and over and over and over.

Next camping trip is right around the corner, we can't wait!